In this provocative discussion-starter about what really matters, Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Parks linked poems capture the diverse voices of amiddle school class answering the question: If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save? Recipient of four starred reviews.

“[Park’s] message is powerful: We dontneeda great blazing tragedy to determine what we hold most precious in our lives; we can define whats vital through our thoughts and memories, always at hand, in our heads and heartssafe, where the flames dont reach.”New York Times Book Review

When a teacher asks her class what one thing they would save in an emergency, some students know the answer right away. Others come to their decisions more slowly. And some change their minds when they hear their classmates responses. A lively dialog ignites as the students discover unexpected facets of one anotherand themselves.

With her ear for authentic dialog and knowledge of kids priorities and emotions, Linda Sue Park brings the varied voices of an inclusive classroom to life through carefully honed, engaging, and instantly accessible verse. Elegantly illustrated with black-and-white by Robert Sae-Heng art throughout.